Track compensator

Abstract

A track compensator for adjusting tension of an endless track on a track-laying vehicle and for absorbing changes in track tension during vehicle operation. A tension adjuster, connected to an idler wheel, adjusts the distance between a drive wheel, at one end of the track, and the idler wheel at the other end of the track. A shock absorber mounted between the vehicle and the tension adjuster absorbs stress on the track caused by debris between the track and vehicle wheels.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A track compensator for adjusting tension in an endless track on a crawler comprising: a restraint tube having a closed end and an open end and an internal diameter;   a tension piston slideably mounted in said tube and engageable with said internal diameter, said piston having a piston side facing said closed end of said restraint tube;   a first centering pin attached to said piston side of said piston and a second centering pin attached to said closed end of said restraint tube, said pins projecting toward each other and being substantially axially aligned;   a cylindrical rubber spring having a central bore extending therethrough and an outer diameter, when relexed, substantially less than said internal diameter of said restraint tube, said central bore of said rubber spring axially positioned on said pins;   adjustment end caps means for capping said open end of said restraint tube and for moving said piston toward said closed end for pre-compressing said rubber spring, the outer diameter of said rubber spring approaching said inner diameter of said restraint tube both in pre-compression and in shock absorbing compression;   a grease cylinder having a closed end attached to said piston and extending through a bore in said end cap means;   said bore in said end cap means of a diameter greater than the outer diameter of said grease cylinder; and   a grease piston slideably mounted in said grease cylinder and having internal passages communicating with said closed end in said grease cylinder for introduction of grease between said closed end of said grease cylinder and said grease piston for adjusting the length of said grease piston and the tension in said endless track.